J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1982 Sep;11(3):367-372.

Internal Wiring Fixation of Atlantoaxial Dislocation Caused by Odontoid Fracture in a Child

• Cho BI
• Lee JS
• Paik MW
• Kang JK
• Song JU

Abstract

Although most patients with cervical fractures have damaged the lower cervical spine, there remain a significant number whose injury involve the atlanto-axial level. Since the diagnosis of fracture of he odontoid process was initially missed frequently, it is worth emphasizing the importance of adequate radiological studies for this potentially lethal lesion in head injury patient. The treatment for fractures of the odontoid process has consisted of reduction followed by immobilization using skeletal traction, a plaster case or halo device, or internal fixation by surgical intervention. The advantages of early surgical treatment to minimize external immobilization or prolonged bed confinement are generally accepted but the surgical techniques have varied widely. The authors have managed a case of traumatic atlanto-axial dislocation in a child combined with severe brain injury by internal fixation using wire only after reduction of the dislocation was accomplished by skeletal traction. The available literature regarding this injury is reviewed.

Keyword

Atlanto-axial dislocation; Odontoid fracture; Internal fixation

MeSH Terms

Brain Injuries
Child*
Craniocerebral Trauma
Diagnosis
Dislocations*
Humans
Immobilization
Odontoid Process
Spine
Traction